It was a holiday party for local children, yet Mrs. Claus was wearing a cleavage-revealing red dress.

If it was Anna Benson’s last public act as a Mets wife, it was a characteristic way to go out.

“I’m known for being outrageous and offensive,” Benson said at one point yesterday afternoon. “That’s part of my personality.

“I’m trying to be entertaining.”

Benson wasn’t entertained by the way her most recent published comments were received. Earlier this month, she bemoaned the fact her hubby was being discussed in trade talks after signing a three-year deal in November 2004, although she said her quotes were taken out of context.

In the same article, she defended her interest in posing nude for Playboy and criticized Carlos Delgado for failing to stand for “God Bless America” by comparison.

Benson explained she dearly wants to stay in New York, which was the source of her dismay. She was assured the Mets are not shopping Kris Benson because of her words and actions, although she’s reportedly been labeled as a “distraction” by team officials.

Asked if she’d change her personality, she said, “Hell, no. I don’t feel I should have to change for anybody. Either like it or don’t.”